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The History of Renewable Energies

Early use - The origin (before industrialization)

• Sun and wind for thousands of years: Even in ancient times, people used solar energy to dry food and wind power for sailing.
• Water power as a pioneer: In ancient Greece and Rome, water wheels were used to grind grain - an early form of mechanical energy generation.

Industrial revolution - focus on fossil fuels (18th-19th century)

• Coal, later oil and gas, revolutionized the energy supply.
• Renewables were displaced as "obsolete technology" - water mills disappeared, steam power dominated.

20th century - rediscovery & technical progress

• Hydropower plants: Large-scale plants emerge, especially in the USA, Canada and Scandinavia.
• 1950s-1970s: First serious research into wind and solar energy. The 1973 oil crisis gives development a boost - energy independence becomes an issue.
• 1970s: First photovoltaic systems on roofs, especially in California.
• 1980s: Wind power plants in Denmark, solar trials in Germany and Japan.

1990s-2000s - Political upswing

• 1990: EEG precursor in Germany - first feed-in tariffs.
• 1997: Kyoto Protocol - first binding CO₂ reduction targets worldwide.
• 2000: Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) in Germany revolutionizes the industry: guaranteed fixed remuneration for green electricity.

Since 2010 - Global breakthrough

• Costs fall drastically: Photovoltaics and wind power become competitive.
• Technology boom: Energy storage, smart grids, offshore wind farms.
• China becomes market leader: In production and installation of renewable systems.
• Fridays for Future, Paris Agreement (2015): Climate protection becomes a social issue.

Today and the future

• Target: 100% renewable energy - many countries set themselves corresponding deadlines.
• New innovations: Hydrogen economy, solar technology at molecular level, CO₂ storage.
• Challenge: grid infrastructure, storage technologies, political will.

Source (2025): ChatGPT - History of Renewable Energies.